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MINUTES
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Sustainable
Development Committee
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1
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The Minute of
Meeting of 22 March 2006 was approved.
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Sustainable Development Committee
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2
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The Minute of
Meeting of 11 April 2006 was approved.
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Crofting Joint Consultative Committee
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3
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The Minute of Meeting of the Crofting Joint Consultative Committee
of 10 April 2006 was noted.
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Declaration of Interest
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4
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Mr Norman L
Macdonald declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of
items 27 and 31.
Mr Angus
Campbell declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of
item 27.
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FINANCE
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General Fund Revenue Outturn 2005/06
PR110.08
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5
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A Report was
submitted by the Director of Finance informing Members of the Comhairle’s
revenue outturn for 2005/06 and seeking approval for departmental carry
forwards. The Report indicated an
overall unaudited deficit for 2005/06 of £811K and identified budgetary
pressures and challenges for future years.
It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the interests
of the Committee were concerned, that the Comhairle:
(1)
note the Report; and
(2)
approve the carry forward of budgets detailed in Appendix D.
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General Fund Fourth Quarter Capital
Monitoring 2005/06
PR110.01
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6
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A Report was
submitted by the Director of Finance regarding a summary of the overall funding position for 2005/06 and the
revised position for the subsequent two years are shown in Appendix 1. Appendices 2 and 3 summarise the income and
expenditure by Committee for 2005/06 and the revised Programme incorporating
slippage and acceleration for the subsequent 2 years. Appendix 4 detailed the status of the PERs
and Appendix 5 showed the expenditure approved for funding by Prudential
Borrowing and CFCR. A more detailed analysis of income and expenditure,
including slippage and acceleration for each Committee, would be available in
the June Information Bulletin.
It was agreed to
recommend that the Comhairle approve the recommendations in the Report
insofar as Committee’s interests were concerned.
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Repairs and Maintenance Revenue Programme
PR33.01.12
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7
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The Director
of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing expenditure upon the
repair and maintenance of properties held on the Sustainable Development
account for 2005/06.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note
the Report.
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PRESENTATION
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Who Cares Wins Project
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8
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Mrs Lorna
Macaulay and Ms Lisa Maclean, Western Isles Enterprise, gave a presentation
to Members on the "Who Cares Wins" Project. Members were afforded the opportunity of
asking questions of Mrs Macaulay and Ms Maclean. The Chairman thanked Mrs Macaulay and Ms
Maclean for their presentation.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note
the current status of the Who Cares Wins Project.
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BIODIVERSITY
AND COUNTRYSIDE
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Making a Difference for Scotland’s
Species: A Framework for Action –
Consultation
DS61
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9
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a draft response to
the consultation from SNH on the development of a strategic approach to
species management in Scotland. The Report stated that the first part of
the consultation document proposed a list of species where focussed effort
and resources over the following 3 - 5 years could make the most difference
to biodiversity and the second part explained the rationale behind the
species action list. The Report
further stated that, in the Hebrides, the
issues of non-native species and other particular species was of concern to
many and a threat to indigenous species and habitats.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle
respond to the consultation on the development of a strategic approach to
species management on the basis of Appendix 2 to the Report.
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Outer Hebrides Outdoor Access Strategy
DS61.20
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10
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With reference
to item 10 of the Minute of Meeting of 27 August 2003 the Director for
Sustainable Communities submitted a Report seeking the adoption of the Outer
Hebrides Outdoor Access Strategy. The
Report stated that the Strategy had been revised using the national guidance
provided in "Outdoor Access Strategies - A Guide to Good Practice"
and fitted with models being adopted by Local Authorities throughout
Scotland. The Strategy would guide the
Access Forum and would inform the core path planning process by creating a
context for core path planning at a local level.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle adopt
the Outer Hebrides Outdoor Access Strategy
presented at Appendix 1 to the Report.
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Western Isles Countryside Access Forum
DS61.20
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11
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the Countryside
Access Forum. The Report stated that
Forum members had voted to change the name in line with the current exercise
in re-branding the Western Isles as the Outer Hebrides
and to comply with the requirements of the Land Reform Act. The Report further stated that it was
proposed that membership of the Forum would be expanded and representatives
from the Crofters Commission, SEERAD and Stornoway Trust be invited to
participate.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
approve the change of name to the Outer
Hebrides Local Access Forum; and
(2)
approve the proposed changes to the forum membership and the
frequency and location of meetings.
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Core Path Capital Allocation
DS61.20
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12
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the allocation
of the Comhairle's core path capital funding.
The Report stated that the Western Isles Countryside Access Programme
had been established in 2003 in order to address the need for improvement to
the path network in the Hebrides. The demand for WICAP funding far outweighed
the target kilometres for the Project.
The Report further stated that, to date, funding had been used for the
improvement of routes associated with coastal access and other minor
projects. However, in light of the
demand identified by WICAP, a structured approach to allocation was proposed.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle
approve:
(1)
the method of allocating core path capital funding for projects as
detailed in paragraphs 6.1 – 6.7 of the Report; and
(2)
the preparation of a further Report detailing the final list of
projects and their scores.
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Appointment of Consultants: Review of Loch
nam Madadh European Marine Site Management Scheme
DS61.01
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13
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The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report in respect
of the proposal to commission consultants to undertake a review of the
Management Scheme for Loch nam Madadh
European Marine Site.
The Comhairle led the Loch
nam Madadh Marine SAC Life Project which resulted in the development of the
Management Scheme for the Loch nam Madadh
European Marine Site (EMS) in December 2000.
Development of the management scheme involved considerable input from
Loch nam Madadh’s stakeholders i.e. members of the public with an interest
in, or adjacent to the Loch nam Madadh EMS such as fishermen, fish farmers,
sailors, divers, hoteliers, seaweed cutters and anglers. A number of stakeholder groups remain
actively involved in the management of the site. At a meeting of the Loch
nam Madadh EMS Management Group in November 2005, it was agreed that the
Management Scheme would be reviewed to evaluate its effectiveness since its
establishment in 2000. It is proposed that consultants are commissioned to
undertake this review.
It was agreed to recommend, in so far as the
Committee’s interests were concerned, that the Comhairle authorise the
Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Director for
Sustainable Communities, to:
(1)
invite the list of consultants specified in para 6.1 of the Report
as a select list to tender to undertake a review of the Loch nam Madadh
European Marine Site Management Scheme in terms of Contract Regulation 8(c);
and
(2)
use the criteria set out in Appendix 2 of the Report for the
evaluation of tenders and to make an appointment in terms of these criteria,
including without prejudice to the foregoing generality, the appointment of a
former officer of the Comhairle.
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RENEWABLE
ENERGY
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Creed Biodigester – Electricity Supply to
the Hydrogen Project
DS61.23
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14
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report outlining proposals to site a
Hebridean Hydrogen Project Gas Production Plant at the Creed Park
Environmental Centre Site, Isle of Lewis.
The Report stated that it was anticipated that the Creed Park
Environmental Centre would generate a net output of 1100 mega watts per annum
and that, as Scottish and Southern Electricity would not provide a connection
to the Western Isles electricity grid until they could undertake a full
network survey to establish grid capacity, it was proposed to use the
electricity generated at the Creed Park Environmental Centre to power the electrolysis
equipment which it was proposed to purchase as part of Phase 2 of the
Hydrogen Innovation Zone Project. It
was intimated in the Report that producing hydrogen from electricity produced
by bio-digester gas on the scale proposed would be a world first and that
this innovative project would enhance the status of the Hebridean Hydrogen
Project and thereby be of assistance when the Project attempted to attract
additional private and public sector support.
It was further stated that the Comhairle would receive income from
Renewable Obligations Certificates for each kilowatt hour generated and used
and that it was in the Comhairle's interest to maximise generating capacity
and, therefore, income from Renewable Obligation Certificates.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle agree
in principle:
(1)
to the siting of the equipment for the Hydrogen Project Phase 2 at
the Creed Park Environmental Centre; and
(2)
that the Creed Park Environmental Centre supply electricity to the
Hydrogen Project, subject to further details being submitted for approval
once the Hydrogen Project Phase 2 scope has been fully defined and approved.
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Hebridean Hydrogen Park – Project Development
DS61.23
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15
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The Director
of Technical Services submitted a Report in relation to the delivery of the
Hebridean Hydrogen Park Project. The
Report proposed that specialist consultancy work be tendered for in order to
review funding sources for hydrogen technology at a local, regional, national
and international level and to explore alternative funding sources including
research and development funding sources and industry/private investment
sources.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle
authorise the Director of Technical Services to seek tenders for consultants
to assist in the further development of the Hebridean Hydrogen Project and to
award the contract on the basis of the criteria detailed in paragraph 4 of
the Report provided this can be achieved from within the relevant budgetary
provision all in terms of the Comhairle's Contract Regulations and Scheme of
Delegation.
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GreenSpace – Project Structure
DS61.22
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16
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The Director
of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing progress with the
GreenSpace Research Project. The basic
principle of the Project was to bridge the gap between energy demand and
renewable energy supply in the design of new and existing buildings. The Project outcome would be a powerful
suite of simulation tools that would assist building designers to integrate
renewable energy systems and rational use of energy technologies into every
stage of the building lifecycle. The
Report further stated that, as the Project was primarily an academic research
and development project it was proposed to be delivered via Lews Castle
College but the
Comhairle would remain the lead agency in terms of HISTP funding.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle
approve the Project Implementation Strategy outlined in Section 4 of the
Report.
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Siadar Wave Power Project – Comhairle nan
Eilean Siar Involvement
DS61.19
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17
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The Director
of Technical Services submitted a Report in relation to the Siadar Wave Power
Project. The Report stated that the
potential existed for a Wavepower Demonstration Project to be developed at
Siadar on the north west coast of Lewis. An
outline proposal had been developed in conjunction with Wavegen and Npower
Renewables. The Report further stated
that, having considered the physical characteristics of the site it was
concluded that an offshore breakwater incorporating oscillating water column technology
could be constructed to provide protection to what would become a sheltered
inner harbour area.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle
authorise the Head of Energy, Coastal Zone and Special Project Services to
maintain contact with the Siadar Wave Power Project Liaison Group and report
to Committee at appropriate intervals.
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DEVELOPMENT
PLANS
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Stornoway Regeneration Action Plan
DS40.84
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18
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report indicating that Stornoway
Regeneration Group had undertaken the first annual review of the Stornoway
Regeneration Action Plan. The Report
stated that the objectives and action points had been revised in light of the
review and the next steps in the framework for action were detailed.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle
endorse the revised Stornoway Regeneration Action Plan (June 2006) presented
at Appendix 1 to the Report.
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ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
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Programme and Progress
PR33.01.12
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19
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The Director
of Technical Services submitted a programme and progress Report in respect of
Sustainable Development properties.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note
the Report.
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It was agreed
that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during
consideration of item 20 on the grounds that exempt information as defined in
Paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would
be disclosed, namely, information relating to the financial or business
affairs of any particular person (other than the Comhairle)
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Partnership Loan Guarantee Scheme
DS40.33.242
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20*
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities and Director of Finance submitted a joint Report
in relation to the future of the global guarantee to the Fisheries and
Business Loans Schemes. The report
stated that the Comhairle's current global guarantee limit had been fully
utilised and there was a clear demonstrable and significant demand from both
the fishing and wider business communities for loan guarantee schemes.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle
continue the Partnership Loan Guarantee Schemes as at present, utilising the
portion of the Comhairle's guarantee as it becomes available.
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Rural Development Plan for Scotland: Consultation
DS40.02
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21
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing a proposed response
to the consultation on the Rural Development Plan for Scotland 2007 -
2013. The Report stated that there
were three key areas of expenditure allowed for in the EU Regulations that
govern the implementation of the programme in member states. Current schemes such as the Less Favoured
Area Support Scheme and the Rural Stewardship Scheme all qualified under Axis
II which would continue to represent the bulk of expenditure under the Rural
Development Plan for Scotland.
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It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
authorise the Director for Sustainable Communities to respond to
the consultation on the basis of the comments detailed at Appendix 1 to the
Report; and
(2)
include the response to the consultation on the Scottish Forestry
Grants Scheme with the Rural Development Plan for Scotland consultation response.
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Review of the Scottish Forestry Grants
Scheme
DS40.05
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22
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the
consultation from the Forestry Commission Scotland on proposed changes to the
Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme. The
Report highlighted the main changes and detailed a proposed response. Mr Bob Dunsmore, Forestry Commission Scotland gave
a presentation on the consultation and Members were afforded the opportunity
of asking questions of Mr Dunsmore.
It was agreed to recommend that:
(1) Appendix 1 to the Report form the
basis of the Comhairle’s response to the consultation on the
review of the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme;
(2) the Comhairle’s response on the
Rural Development Programme for Scotland consultation be included
with this response; and
(3) the Comhairle lobby Forestry
Commission Scotland and the Scottish Executive to secure additional funding for
woodland development in the Western Isles.
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Development of a Creative Industries
Strategy for the Outer Hebrides
DS40.01.02
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23
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the development
of a Creative Industries Strategy that would maximise the economic impact of
the sector in the Outer Hebrides. The Report stated that the diverse creative
economy in the Outer Hebrides encompassed
flagship cultural and artistic projects, small businesses and freelancers and
the many micro-businesses and sole traders working in arts and crafts. It also included new media industries such
as software and multi-media. The
Report highlighted the proposed vision, aims and objectives of the Strategy.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1) note progress with developing a
Creative Industries Strategy for the Outer Hebrides;
and
(2) agree that finalisation of the
Strategy be remitted to the Director for Sustainable Communities, following
member and public consultation as detailed in this Report.
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It was agreed
that the public, including the press, be excluded from the meeting during
consideration of item 24 on the grounds that exempt information as defined in
Paragraph 1 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would
be disclosed, namely, information relating to a particular employee, former
employee or applicant to become an employee of, or a particular office holder
or former office holder, or applicant to become an office holder under the
Comhairle
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Update on the New Deal Programme
DS40.01.02
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24
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report detailing the current
budgetary position of the New Deal Programme.
The Report stated that the Programme had been a significant training
provider and service to enable communities to deliver small projects. The service initially benefited from
substantial external funding with a moderate base budget but, over the years,
external funding had dwindled placing more emphasis on raising income from work
done. The Report indicated that a Best
Value review had been initiated in the light of the projected overspend of
the allocated budget and potential options for the future of the service were
detailed.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1)
support the proposal to apply for additional
funding through the European Social Fund for a modified service; and
(2) cease to operate the New Deal Programme as soon as
practicable after 1 July 2006, but enhance the Employment Training Service
bid for additional resources and provide practical support to communities for
developing projects and events within the budget allocated for 2006/07.
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Tourism Conference
DS40.08
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25
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to the Tourism
Conference held at An Lanntair on 31 March 2006 at which the Area Tourism
Partnership Plan 2006 - 2009 had been launched. The Report stated that there had been a
range of presentations from partner agencies, industry representatives and
the Comhairle's twinning partners which highlighted the crucial role the
Comhairle and its partners played in supporting and developing tourism.
It was agreed to
recommend that the Comhairle note the success of the Tourism Conference.
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Kallin Harbour –
Procurement of Design and Build Solution
T07.02.23
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26
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The Director
of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing progress with the Kallin
Harbour Development Project. The
Report stated that Arch Henderson, Consulting Engineers, had been
commissioned to develop the project and they had identified three primary
construction techniques which may be appropriate for the main breakwater
structure. The Report further stated
that additional funding had been secured from SEERAD and Western Isles
Enterprise and it was proposed to invite tenders for the project on a design
and construct basis.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle:
(1) note progress of the delivery of the Kallin Harbour Development Project; and
(2) homologate the action of the Director
of Technical Services in inviting tenders on a design and construct basis
from the select list of tenderers listed in Section 4.9 of the Report in
terms of Contract Regulation 8(c).
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It was agreed that the public, including the
press, be excluded from the meeting during consideration of item 27 on the
grounds that exempt information as defined in Paragraph 8 & 9 of Schedule
7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 would be disclosed, namely,
information relating to the amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred
by the Comhairle under any particular contract for the acquisition of
property or the supply of goods or services and any terms proposed or to be
proposed by or to the Comhairle in the course of negotiations for a contract
for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or
services.
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Mr Norman L Macdonald and Mr Angus Campbell
declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of the
following item.
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Fuel at Fishery Piers – End of Year
2005/06 Progress Report
CB014
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27
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The Director
of Technical Services submitted a Report detailing progress with the sale of
fuel at Comhairle piers. The Report
stated that a recovery plan was being explored and advice from the
Comhairle's external auditor regarding Significant Trading Operation status
would be considered by the Policy and Resources Committee on 22 June
2006. The Report further stated that
consideration was being given to seeking expressions of interest in taking on
the franchise of the Fuel at Fishery Piers service.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note
the Report.
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COMMUNITY
SUPPORT
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Community Initiated Projects – Croileagan
Bhreascleit
DS63
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28
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The Director for
Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of an application for
grant funding under the Comhairle's Community Initiated Projects Scheme from
Croileagan Bhreascleit for funding towards the cost of constructing a garden,
play and recreation area and car park.
The proposed facilities would include fixed play equipment, seating
and environmental learning features and had been designed to cater for all
abilities and to especially appeal to pre-school children.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle
approve funding of £14,000 to Croileagan Bhreascleit from the Community Initiated
Projects Scheme, subject to evidence of all necessary match funding being
confirmed.
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Community Initiated Projects – Uig
Community Centre Association
DS63
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29
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in respect of an application
for grant funding under the Comhairle's Community Initiated Projects Scheme
from Uig Community Centre Association for funding towards the extension of
Uig Community Centre. The proposals
included the provision of dedicated facilities for pre-school children and
young people, office space, a kitchen and dining area and would address the
lack of full disabled access to all areas of the community centre building.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle
approve funding of £20,000 to Uig Community Centre Association from the
Community Initiated Projects Scheme, subject to evidence of all necessary
match funding being confirmed.
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CoMAS Scheme – Bayble Boat Owner and Pier
Association
T07.02
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30
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to an application
for funding from Bayble Boat Owners and Pier Users Association for funding to
assist development of the marine infrastructure at Bayble Pier. The Report stated that the project would create
a safe haven for boats by excavating and developing a natural basin near the
low water mark in the river dividing Upper and Lower
Bayble and would create an entry channel to the sea.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle
approve the allocation of £24,000 – or 27% of the total project cost – from
the Community Marine Access Scheme (CoMAS) budget to Bayble Boat Owners and
Piers Users Association, subject to production of satisfactory evidence of
matching funding and obtaining all necessary statutory consents.
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Mr Norman L
MacDonald declared an interest and left the meeting during consideration of
the following item
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Western Isles Credit Union
PR43.01
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31
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The Director
for Sustainable Communities submitted a Report in relation to progress with
the Western Isles Credit Union Project.
The Report stated that an application for authorisation to operate as
a Credit Union had been submitted to the Financial Services Authority and it
was anticipated that the Credit Union would become operational in October
2006.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note
the progress of the Western Isles Credit Union Project and the key project
milestone achieved of seeking authorisation from the Financial Services
Authority.
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PERFORMANCE
MONITORING
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Reports Outstanding
PR33.01.12
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32
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The Director
of Corporate Services submitted a Report detailing Reports outstanding
arising from decisions of the Committee.
It was agreed to recommend that the Comhairle note
the Report.
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The Chairman ruled that in accordance with the provision of Section 50(B)4
of the Local Government (Scotland)
Act 1973 as amended, that the following item be considered as a matter of
urgency in order to allow the Comhairle to take a view on the matter.
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ADDITIONAL
ITEM
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The Chairman
ruled that, in accordance with the provisions of Section 50 (B)4 of the Local
Government (Scotland)
Act 1973 as amended, that the following item be considered as a matter of
urgency in order to allow the Comhairle to take a view on the matter.
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Departmental Business Plans 2005/06
PR33.01.04
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33
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The Chief
Executive submitted a Report concerning the performance of the Comhairle's
Departments in relation to their Business Plans for 2005/06. The Report gave a summary of performance
from each Director, highlighting the key performance issues for their
Department and also indicated that the information provided would be included
in the preparation of the annual performance Report which would be published
in the Autumn of 2006.
It was agreed to recommend, insofar as the interests
of the Committee were concerned, that the Comhairle:
(1)
note the performance of departments in relation to their
Departmental Business Plans; and
(2)
agree that, where tasks are uncompleted, further monitoring
information would be provided as part of the 2006/07 process.
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